Opponent sues Grayson over DVD mailer

A candidate running against Orlando's U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson filed a lawsuit against the congressman in federal court today over his use of taxpayer money to send a DVD to his constituents.

Todd Long, one of seven Republicans hoping to unseat the freshman representative, is asking the court to issue an injunction barring Grayson from using government funds to mail any more copies of the DVD.

Last week, Grayson spent $73,000 to mail about 100,000 copies of the 90-minute DVD to seniors he said might not have easy access to information. The DVD shows video clips of Grayson questioning Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke and others during committee hearings, promoting the teaching of the Constitution to high school students, and criticizing the war in Afghanistan as a waste of money.

Long contends that using taxpayer funds to produce and mail the DVD is unconstitutional. The Constitution only allows Congress to use taxes to pay debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare, Long says, and mailing a DVD doesn't meet that definition.

"It's obviously self-promotional," Long said at a news conference in front of Grayson's district office at the Lynx building in downtown Orlando. "He thought it would help get him re-elected. He has no respect for the people's money."

The mailer was reviewed by the House's bipartisan franking commission and found to be appropriate and not overtly political. And Grayson has said he was simply letting his constituents know what's he been doing in Washington.

Grayson's campaign didn't think much of Long's chances in court.

"If foolishness were a crime, Todd Long would not only be sued, he would be serving a life sentence," campaign spokesman Sam Drzymala said.

Still, the seven candidates in the Republican primary have gone on the attack. Another candidate, state Rep. Kurt Kelly of Ocala, last week called for a congressional ethics investigation.